MANILA, Philippines - Myanmar’s decision to move the deadline for the submission of the final list of entries for all delegations to the coming SEA Games has left Philippine sports officials in a quandary.

The deadline was supposed to be early in November. But Jeff Tamayo, the Filipino chef-de-mission, said organizers have decided to push the date to Oct. 10.

It’s a pity, according to the second vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, because there are still Filipino athletes knocking on the door.

Filipino athletes in a few more sports disciplines are set to compete in international events until November to justify their inclusion.

But with the new deadline, they might just miss the bus.

“Some of our athletes are still in the process of evaluation (for inclusion) then all of a sudden the deadline is moved,” said Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia.

“I pity the athletes still trying to qualify. Some of their qualifying events aren’t done yet and this might reduce our athletes,” he said.

The PSC will fund the Philippine contingent to the SEA Games and is working closely with the POC regarding the preparations.

So far there are 162 names in the list with a little more seeking inclusion to the Games scheduled Dec. 11-22 in three different venues in Myanmar.

The new deadline might force the POC and the different national sports associations (NSAs) to close the door on the athletes earlier than they’re supposed to.

“Definitely it adds pressure to the PSC and POC. We (task force) will now decide without enough basis. But this will be subject to discussion. Hopefully we come out with a wide decision,” said Garcia.

“All of them (athletes) are striving to participate but they must understand we have criteria. It’s not about having the money,” the PSC chief added.